Occupational Therapy Assistant Hourly Pay in Carson City, NV: $34.24 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a occupational therapy assistant working in Carson City, NV runs $34.24 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $71,206 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-2011). Weighted against Carson City's regional price level (BEA RPP 98.3, 2% below national), each hour of work buys what $34.83 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $42,726 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Carson City, the median hourly pay for an occupational therapy assistant is projected to be $34.24 in 2026, which falls slightly below the national hourly median of $35.74. This rate provides a reasonable living for those working part-time, such as three days a week, potentially generating a solid income while allowing flexibility for other pursuits. Per-diem workers, often utilized across skilled nursing facilities, hospital rehab units, and outpatient clinics, can expect a billing rate averaging between $30 and $45 hourly, depending on their specific role and experience level. The salary range for occupational therapy assistants in the region varies dramatically, from an entry-level rate of approximately $25.01 to the upper echelons of $42.36 per hour for the top earners. These estimates are derived from broader annual salary data, indicating that the pay structure offers multiple pathways depending on individual circumstances and workplace settings.
About the Carson City Market
Salary estimated from Nevada average ($80,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Occupational Therapy Assistant Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $25.01 | $200.11 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $29.44 | $235.56 |
| Median (P50) | $34.24 | $273.89 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $37.54 | $300.29 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $42.36 | $338.86 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Carson City
Based on $34.24/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $34.24/hr, a occupational therapy assistant working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Carson City, NV can expect to earn approximately $71,210 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $41,083. With a cost-of-living index of 98.30 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Carson City.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Carson City
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,369.43 | $5,934 | $71,210 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $821.66 | $3,561 | $42,726 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $547.77 | $2,374 | $28,484 |
Compare OTA Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Occupational Therapy Assistant (Carson City) | $34.24 |
| Occupational Therapist (National Avg) | $47.00 |
| Physical Therapist Assistant (National Avg) | $31.26 |
| Athletic Trainer (National Avg) | $27.85 |
| Recreational Therapist (National Avg) | $27.50 |
Occupational Therapy Assistants in Carson City, NV earn a median of $71,206 per year (2026 est.), which is 4.21% lower than the national median of $74,332 and 2.50% below the Nevada state average of $73,032.
Occupational Therapy Assistant Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $34.24/hr = $42,726/year (purchasing power: $43,465).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $71,210/year (purchasing power: $72,442).
CoL index: 98.3 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$28.33/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$33.30/hr
2026 Current Est.
$34.24/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+24.2%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Occupational Therapy Assistants in Carson City (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.81% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $28.33/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $28.99/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $28.43/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $29.59/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $30.86/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $36.84/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $33.30/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $34.24/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $35.20/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for occupational therapy assistants in Carson City grew 17.5% from $28.33/hr (2019) to $33.30/hr (2025). At a 2.81% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $35.20/hr by 2027. Part-time and per-diem occupational therapy assistants can use this multi-year trend to benchmark future contract negotiations.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Carson City metropolitan area, sourced from annual Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics surveys. 2026–2026 figures are current estimates, and 2027 values are projections, calculated using a 2.81% CAGR derived from 7-year BLS historical data. Actual salaries may vary based on employer, experience, certifications, and local market conditions.
Working as an Hourly Occupational Therapy Assistant in Carson City
The earning potential for part-time occupational therapy assistants can be substantial, with a typical three-day workweek amounting to around $47,000 annually, compared to a full-time earnings projection. For those considering per-diem positions, the compensation reality varies widely, particularly with agency contracts that can pay anywhere from $1,100 to $1,700 weekly for travel positions. In Carson City, hourly rates differ across employer types; while skilled nursing facilities tend to offer more accessible opportunities, the school districts and outpatient therapy programs might present different financial incentives. Many COTAs face a trade-off between lower hourly wages that include benefits and higher rates that lack health coverage and paid time off. As reassessments of pay continue due to the effects of the 15% Medicare cut imposed in 2022, effective negotiation becomes essential. Keeping abreast of industry standards set by entities such as AOTA and maintaining knowledge of local rates can empower occupational therapy assistants to navigate their pay discussions confidently.
More salary data for Carson City, NV:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for occupational therapy assistants in Carson City in 2026?
How much do part-time occupational therapy assistants make in Carson City?
Are occupational therapy assistants in Carson City paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time occupational therapy assistant make per year in Carson City?
Do occupational therapy assistants earn more per hour working part-time in Carson City?
Related Pages
Compare Salaries
Career Resources
Nearby Cities in Nevada
Written by Jordan Lee, MS, OTR/L
Career Analyst
Jordan Lee has 10 years of experience as an occupational therapist. Their specialty is working with children with developmental disorders. They have worked in various healthcare settings including schools and rehabilitation facilities.
Methodology & Data Source
Hourly wage figures on this page are 2026 projections based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. A 2.81% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), derived from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to estimate current 2026 hourly rates for occupational therapy assistants in Carson City. Part-time and full-time income estimates assume consistent weekly hours and do not account for overtime, benefits, or seasonal variation.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Carson City is estimated from official BLS state-level occupational wage data (2025), adjusted for regional cost-of-living differences using BEA RPP (Regional Price Parities).
2026 figures are projected from 2025 BLS data using a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 2.81%, derived from historical BLS wage trends for occupational therapy assistants (SOC 31-2011).
Compiled and verified by Jordan Lee, MS, OTR/L, a licensed occupational therapy assistant with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov